I have been blogging since 2008. When I look back at the difference between my posts when I first started and my posts now, it's obvious that life has certainly changed! And I am sad to say that some of those life changes have taken me away from things I truly love!
Writing has always been an outlet for me and blogging came along at a time when I felt lost and confused about my role in my family and my role in the world. Blogging provided a venue for me to vent, to laugh, to share and to meet other people in the world at a time when I really needed to feel connected. Blogging became a lifeline that gave me hope and that helped me learn more about my strengths and talents. Blogging gave me a network that allowed me to tap into an amazing and supportive group of women from all walks of life and from all over the globe. I have internet friends that feel like family because of blogging and social media!
Since the day I started blogging, it has been my greatest desire to attend a blog conference. I've had a few opportunities, but have never been able to take advantage of them due to bad timing or bad finances. It occurred to me a few weeks ago, that had I worked harder to make one of them in particular happen, I think my life would be very different today. I think the networking, the learning and the friendships I would have made there would have helped me have more confidence in my ability to earn a living pursuing my passion. I would have had a bigger group of friends and associates to lean on when I was feeling overwhelmed and in need of support. I would have been surrounded by like minded women who find ways to overcome obstacles and make what they love become what they do. I would get to sit at the feet of Social Media Mavens like Maria Bailey to better learn the craft. It makes me sad to think about how much time I have wasted trying to convince myself that what I love has value and worth because circumstances in my tiny world try to make me believe otherwise.
I know, sitting around and feeling bad does nothing to change my circumstance. Which is why this year, I am committed to attending at least one conference! Last year I was invited to attend the
Beaches Social Media on the Sand Conference. I had to turn it down because it was financially impossible at the time. I regretted not trying harder to find a way to make it happen. My family was sorely in need of some bonding time and I was sorely in need of being with a group of people who get why blogging is "my thing." I applied again this year and nothing would make me happier than to have the opportunity to attend the 2015 Beaches Social Media on the Sand Conference! I heard and read nothing but amazing things about it! From the phenomenal accommodations and staff to the engaging and relevant content, everyone who attended raved about the conference.
Beaches Social Media on the Sand Conference. I had to turn it down because it was financially impossible at the time. I regretted not trying harder to find a way to make it happen. My family was sorely in need of some bonding time and I was sorely in need of being with a group of people who get why blogging is "my thing." I applied again this year and nothing would make me happier than to have the opportunity to attend the 2015 Beaches Social Media on the Sand Conference! I heard and read nothing but amazing things about it! From the phenomenal accommodations and staff to the engaging and relevant content, everyone who attended raved about the conference.
I want to rave about it too! So I hope I make the list this year. I pray that the blogging gods will smile kindly upon me and give me and my family a chance to experience the beautiful Turks and Caicos Island together while I learn more about how to be a better blogger. My kids and husband need to see how happy mom is when she's in her element and I need to help them see the world can be so much more than struggling to pay bills in tiny Idaho.
So I'm just putting this out there for the Universe to hear and see! I'm ready for some Social Media on the Sand this year! I'm making my plans for October and trusting that you are hearing this, Universe! My family needs to spend some time together this year looking at this:
(photo courtesy of Beaches Resort)
I'm doin' my part, I'm putting out positive thoughts and working hard to make sure we can make it happen on our end, so don't let me down, Universe! You and me, Uni. Working together. We got this!
